Top ranked pro Shivaram Shrestha closed in on the Surya Nepal Premier Golf Championship title after extending his lead to five strokes at the end of the third round at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Wednesday.

The Royal Nepal Golf Club player carded five-under 67 for a three round total of 18-under 198. Shrestha was five shots clear of Surya Prasad Sharma, who shot three-under 69 on Wednesday for a 54-total of 13-under 203. Sanjay Lama was alone at third at 10-under 206 after he shot one-under 71. Dhana Bahadur Thapa (73) was in fourth at seven-under 209 and Dhana Bahadur Thapa (71) in fifth at 214. Rame Magar (74) and Tirtha Poudel (73) were tied for sixth at 219, while Jayaram Shrestha (76), Rajendra Thapa Magar (75) and Rabi Khadka (69) were tied for eighth at 220. Bal Bhadra Rai (77) was further one stroke adrift at 11th position.

Sukra Bahadur Rai hold the lead in the amateur category with a total score of even-par 216 despite carding five-over 77 on Wednesday. Tanka Bahadur Karki climbed to second at six-over 222 after a three-under 69, while Vijay Shrestha Einhaus (76) was next at 225.

Shrestha shot one-under 35 on the front nine and four-under 32 on the back nine. The Nepal No 1 pro sank birdies on the first, fifth and sixth holes against a double bogey on the seventh hole. On the back nine, he sank an eagle on the 11th to add to birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.

Sharma shot two-under 34 on the front nine and one-under 35 on the back nine. He sank birdies on the first and ninth holes as well as an eagle on the seventh against a double bogey on the eighth. On his way back, Sharma shot birdies on the 12th and 13th against a bogey on the 14th hole.

Lama carded three-under 33 on the front nine and two-over 38 on the back nine. Lama sank birdies on the first and third holes, added an eagle on the fifth against a bogey on the fifth. He carded birdies on the 11th and 18th holes but had double bogeys on the 12th and 14th holes.

In all, 48 players took part in the tournament organised by Nepal Professional Golfers Association. The tournament offers Rs 1.2 million in prize money with the champion assured of Rs 220,000. All the other pro who made the cut fo the final two rounds will also receive their share of cash rewards.